Allowing for Children's Privacy

When possible, children benefit from having physical space that is theirs to arrange. This may take the form of a child's own room. However, (as discussed in our Middle Childhood Parenting document), even if children have to share bedroom space with siblings they should at least get private dresser drawers that no one else is allowed to look at. As well, children should know that their diaries or other journals of writing or drawing are private, and no one will read them without their permission. If the family hasn't already done so, parents and children should begin knocking on doors and requesting permission to enter someone's private space as a sign of respect for privacy. Parents should also respect their children's privacy with their friends and not listen in on their children's phone calls or read their emails. This is true so long as children are following the family rules and parents do not suspect that their children are experiencing emotional problems, experimenting with drugs and alcohol, or are in a dangerous relationship or situation.